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ApertureFoto · Feb 18, 2005, 07:10 PM

I was in the Tysons Corner Apple store a little earlier this evening and was told something rather interesting by one of the sales people. (I also asked a Genius and was told the same thing).

That there is NOW another STANDARD configured mini with the following specs:

1.42Ghz
AE/BT
80GB HD
SuperDrive
512MB RAM

He stated that due to the large demand for a more robust system *out of the box* apple decided to add this third option, vice only having it as a BTO. Price was around $850 he said; he said that he was not sure when they were getting them exactly..however it would be soon.

FYI....he also stated that they had the regular Mac Mini's IN STOCK in the back, you just had to ask for them.

He also stated that it would cost $60 to add the AE/BT module *after the fact* (not included the $100-$130 price for the module itself).....that is totally BOGUS from a price point IMHO.

Kris

Footy · Feb 18, 2005, 07:35 PM

Not sure if there's anything to this but I got a call from the Chicago Apple Store today that they had a Mac Mini that I was on their waiting list for but said it was of a slightly different setup than the 1.42 I was on the list for. I'll have to listen to the message again. I hadn't called back since I got one from the Woodfield Apple Store last weekend.

Simon · Feb 19, 2005, 04:33 AM

Interesting, but AppleStore.com doesn't show that config. I'm wondering if that's a brick and mortar store only config?

Commodus · Feb 19, 2005, 09:58 AM

Since it hasn't arrived in stock yet, it's possible that it'll be added to the online store next week.

And for what it's worth, that sounds like a good decision on Apple's part: make a config that appeals to the must-max-everything-out types, since there always seems to be some Mac buyer who has to splurge whether it's a Mac mini or a dual 2.5 PowerMac with 30" display.

Footy · Feb 19, 2005, 07:04 PM

Just listened to that message again... "It's the 1.4 Gig and it has some upgrades in it so it's a little different than the standard model".

So maybe it's just one that somebody ordered then bought something else.

iREZ · Feb 19, 2005, 09:00 PM

I don't think we'll see this new option for the online store, but more so for brick n mortar Apple stores. There's nothing special about the new stock mini that you can't customize to order already. I'm sure it's just an attempt to sell a full packed mini at an Apple store so that PC users who want the upgrades can just pick one up at the store. Gotta agree, it's a good move on Apples part.

mikerally · Feb 20, 2005, 05:22 AM

Yeah I think a lot of people are getting pissed off that they have to pay an installation fee if they want Airport and/or Bluetooth and/or 512MB RAM in their Mac mini.

Particularly if they're told the only way to avoid the installation fee is to order online through Build-To-Order and then possibly wait 2-3 weeks for it to arrive - totally ruins the sense of instant gratification / impulse buying that Apple Store's do rely on in some sense - all for the sake of $60.

Why does Apple charge $60? Well it does take staff's time to fit the extras, and it's more than a 5 minute job (which counts for a lot in a busy Apple store - particularly in London Regents St).

All in all, it's better for Apple to stock a maxed out configuration to save everybody time and money - I'm willing to bet some people are more than willing to buy the next configuration up rather than pay an installation fee (even though it costs more, it just the consumer sense of getting more value for money).

liquidh2o · Feb 21, 2005, 10:36 AM

it's confirmed, brick&mortar carries an "ultimate" configuration of the 1.42 model that has superdrive, 80gb hdd, 512mb ram, and AE+BT installed.

Sells for $873, and they're in stock at the places I've called.

Time to go pick me up a new mini!

Simon · Feb 21, 2005, 10:44 AM

Originally posted by liquidh2o:
it's confirmed, brick&mortar carries an "ultimate" configuration of the 1.42 model that has superdrive, 80gb hdd, 512mb ram, and AE+BT installed.

Sells for $873, and they're in stock at the places I've called.

Time to go pick me up a new mini!

That's good. It's exactly the same price as if you CTO'ed it at AppleStore.com.

What I don't quite understand is why they don't offer a cheap upgrade solution for 1 GB RAM. Have the genius quickly open the case, install the 1GB stick, and close it again for the price of the 1GB stick plus $20. If this 'ultimate' config came with just the 256 MB stock, people could then chose in the store if they rather have 512 MB or 1 GB. I guess it's all just a question of cost.

turtle777 · Feb 21, 2005, 10:50 AM

Smart move on Apple's side.

-t

UberWeenie · Feb 23, 2005, 09:56 AM

Originally posted by liquidh2o:
it's confirmed, brick&mortar carries an "ultimate" configuration of the 1.42 model that has superdrive, 80gb hdd, 512mb ram, and AE+BT installed.

Sells for $873, and they're in stock at the places I've called.

Time to go pick me up a new mini!

The 'third model' at the Apple Stores is mentioned in this article:

http://www.macnet2.com/more.php?id=551_0_1_0

I suspect, as does the author, that it isn't offered on the Apple website because it does somewhat puncture the 'low cost' image of the Mini.